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This is all a fallout of population growth,
peoples self interest and rising aspirations,
corruption, Politicians perfecting the art of dividing people and inability of the government to impose the Law. Take one example: Speedbreakers. These are by law, not permitted on the Highway. Village roads, like Porvorim, have Chogm Road, Highway 17 running through now densely populated and commercial areas. Other similar areas on Highways in Goa, have not only one speed breaker, but sometimes two to six together (Rumblers) that jolt even any slow moving vehicle and their occupants violently!. No standard is followed. So if speedbreakers are likewise not put in Porvorim, which are essential to save lives, that is discrimination and also is against the law! Go to court and it will go by the law. So either knock off all the speedbreakers in Goa and loose more lives, or ensure traffic follows rules like slowing down before Zebra crossings, traffic Islands/crossings, where there are speed limits etc . Due to our politicians , police and incompetent , selfish ,indisciplined, speed crazy drivers,such enforcement , we have experienced is a lost cause! Speed is the new mantra.Even the petrol is called Speed! So we need speed breakers on the Highways passing through now heavily populaated areas!. Or build by passes/overhead bridges so highway traffic neednt slow down. THE LARGER PICTURE
Democracy is not just elections and governments,
but institutions that work/deliver. Citizens that are worthy and
preferably not only qualified, but educated!
.There is absence of short and long term traffic and infrastructure planning guided by professionals with good local knowledge.People are important, and planning has to be from the bottom up! Here it is UPSIDE DOWN, with vested interests, I Me and MINE syndrome and corruption ( covers Driving Schools, buying driving liscences, non liscenced/minors driving, bribing ,PWD works, etc)to the fore. The bottom are not consulted, conned or taken for granted. People naturally want to live in peace with like minded neighbours, who share the same language , culture, customs and festivals . So societies and colonies come up that further divide people.There are also colonies of illegal constructions, but with water and electricity connections and even floodlights. There are vehicles and drivers coming from here also.Recently Goa 365, which is turning out to be a proactive TV news channel, showed a Margao settlement, where our Goa cabinet decided to cut off water/electricity to its illegal constructions. Some residents stated that they have been there for six years. Who gave them permissions, assured regularisation, and why should the poor labour class, women ,children,the aged living there now suffer and not those responssible for this settlement coming up in the first place? It is all a result of appaling governance and injustice. Residential buildings /shops are still coming up today, without any space provided for parking vehicles, government drivers, VIPs think they dont have to follow
rules.Elementary road rules are not followed/implemented. Few give way to
traffic coming from the right, going uphill,coming from a side road onto
the highway, slowing down at Zebra crossings, overtaking from the left, non
dipping of headlights at night etc.
Residential colonies are turned into commercial areas ,gaddas at every corner and so on .The notions of an engaged and virtuous citizenship upon which our Constitution is based appear archaic concepts. Unless we can be good citizens, produce educated leaders, control our population, stamp out corruption, implement the laws without discrimination, understand we have to ask"Development at what cost and to/for whom!", Unless we can lessen the gap between the aspiring poor and filthy rich, both wanting more and more. I would agree with Woody Allen "Mankind is at the crossroads. One path leads to despair,the other to utter helplesness". However lets think positive.NOTHING IS TOO LATE TILL THE TIRED HEART CEASES TO PALPITATE?. |
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